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Home , Fireplace, Indoor mold

WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES INFO SHEET/ IN MY : WHAT DO I DO?

Mold in my home: Is it a HEALTH CONCERN?

This fact sheet provides information to people who have experienced water damage to their home and presents the health concern related to mold exposure. It also provides general guidelines on mold detection. ABOUT MOLD Questions? HEALTH EFFECTS Call the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health What is it? How am I exposed to indoor are simple, microscopic l-304-558-2981 molds? organisms, found virtually Can mold become a problem in Mold is found everywhere, indoors and everywhere, indoors and outdoors. my home? outdoors. It is common to find mold Molds can be found on plants, foods, Yes, if there is moisture available to in the air of and growing dry leaves, and other organic material. allow mold to thrive and multiply. The on damp surfaces. Much of the mold Mold spores are very tiny and following are sources of indoor moisture found indoors comes from outdoor lightweight, which allows them to that may cause problems: sources. Therefore, everyone is travel through the air. Mold growths 0 flooding exposed to some mold on a daily basis can often be seen in the form of + backed-up sewers without evident harm. Mold spores discoloration, ranging from white to 0 leaky roofs primarily cause health problems when 0 orange and from green to brown and l Z* mud or ice dams they enter the air and are inhaled in black. When molds are present in 0 damp or crawl spaces large numbers. People can also be large quantities, they can cause l 3 constant leaks exposed to mold through contact allergic symptoms similar to those 40 plants-watering can generate a large and eating. amounts of moisture caused by plant pollen. 4. steam from 6 shower/bath steam and leaks How much mold can make me Should I be concerned about + wet clothes on indoor drying lines + clothes dryers vented indoors sick? mold in my home? 0 appliances (e.g., stoves) not It depends. For some people, a Yes, ifthe contamination is extensive. exhausted to the outdoors relatively small number of mold spores When airborne mold spores are + high relative can cause health problems. For other present in large numbers, they can people, it may take many more. The CA UTION: cause allergic reactions, If you see moisture on the basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, episodes, , and other or , it is also possible that take steps to eliminate the excess respiratory problems for people. moisture, and to cleanup and remove you have a combustion problem in your Exposure to high levels can the mold. home. It is important to have sufficient cause the development of an allergy fresh air available for burning to the mold. Mold can also cause appliances, such as the , water Who is at greater risk when structural damage to your home. heaters, stove/range, clothes dryer, as Similarly, when goes through a exposed to Mold? well as a . A period of wetting, then drying, it can Exposure to mold is not healthy for shortage of air for these appliances can eventually warp and can cause walls anyone inside . It is result in back drafting of dangerous to crack or become structurally weak. important to quickly identify and such as into the home. correct any moisture sources before To prevent back drafting of air, you need What does mold need to health problems develop. The to open either vents or a ventilation following individuals appear to be at grow? system that brings fresh air into the home higherrisk for adverse health effects of For mold to grow, it needs: to replace air that is exhausted out. Have molds: Q food sources-such as leaves, wood, your local utility company or a + Infants and children paper, or dirt . professional heating contractor inspect + elderly 9 sources of moisture 4. immune compromised patients (people with 8 a place to grow your fuel-burning appliances annually. HIV , cancer, chemotherapy, liver

West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources/Bureau for Public Health/Office of Services Radiation. Toxics and Indoor Air Division/Indoor Air Program WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHAND HUMAN RESOURCES Page 2 INDOOR AIR QUALITY INFO SHEET/MOLD IN MY HOME: WHAT DO I DO?

disease, etc.) or in combination) reported by people sheetrock) and airborne samples is 0 pregnant women exposed to mold include: recommended. Currently, there are no l individuals with existing breathing, and/or . respiratory conditions such as allergies, respiratory problems air standards for levels of mold multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma. . nasal and sinus congestion indoors. Outdoor mold levels should . dry, hacking always be taken during the same People with these special concerns . wheezing, and difficulty in sampling time to compare with indoor should consult a physician if they breathing air mold levels to provide a baseline are having health problems. . sore throat for comparison. . shortness of breath Remember unless the source of What symptoms are . eyes-burning, watery, reddened, moisture is removed and the common? blurry vision, light sensitivity contaminated area is cleaned and Allergic reactions may be the most . skin disinfected, mold growth is likefj to common health problem of mold . central nervous system reoccur. exposure. Typical symptoms reported problems (constant , (alone or in combination) include: memory problems, mood Cleanup and Removal of l > respiratory problems, such as wheezing, changes) and difficulty in breathing Mold 8 nasal and sinus congestion 0 eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry Detection of Mold vision, light sensitivity. What can I save? What can I 4. dry, hacking cough toss? 0 sore throat How can I tell if I have mold in l 3 nose and In this situation, use your best 9 skin irritation my house? judgement. If the material absorb + central nervous system problems (constant If you can see mold or if there is an headaches, memory problems, and mood water, it is considered porous. Porous changes) earthly musty odor, you can assume that materials should be thrown out or + aches and pains you have a mold problem. Allergic decontaminated if exposed to long 40 possible fever individuals will have reactions in areas of periods of dampness. Materials such mold growth. Possible symptoms of as hard plastic, and metal can be Are some molds more mold exposure include sneezing, cleaned and disinfected. (Concerning hazardous than other? coughing, shortness of breath, tightness food items consult your local Health Yes. Certain types of molds can in the chest, allergic reactions, asthmatic Department) produce toxins. Molds produce episodes, eye irritation, nose and throat toxins called . Molds are irritation, fever, chills, aches and pains. able to produce a number of toxic Look for previous water damage on How do I clean and disinfect substances that can inhibit or prevent porous materials. Visible mold growth is my home? the growth of other organisms. often found underneath materials where Identify the moisture problem: Mycotoxins are found in both living water has damaged surfaces or behind 1. Identify and remove the source of and dead mold spores. Moldy walls. Look for discoloration and moisture. After the moisture source materials need to be removed, not leaching from plaster has been corrected, begin the cleanup just killed, with cleaning solutions. and drying out process. Allergic and toxic effects can remain Should I test my home for mold? 2. Remove and throw out porous in dead spores. Exposure to The West Virginia Bureau for Public materials (example: , mycotoxins may present a greater Health does not recommend testing as sheetrock, plaster, wood products, to occupants than that of the first step to determine fyou have a carpet/carpet pad) and begin drying allergenic or irritative molds. mold problem. Mold sampling can be the area within 24 to 48 hours. Mold- Mycotoxins have been found in expensive. If you can see or smell mold, contaminated materials should be agricultural settings, in food, and you have a moisture and mold problem. bagged and discarded. Remove and indoor spaces of homes and office The first step is to identifv the moisture replace all sheetrock and insulation buildings. Health effects observed in source and correct it. Then clean, damaged by water up to a minimum of humans vary with the specific toxin, disinfect, and dry the mold area. 12 inches above the high water mark. the amount of exposure, and the route Airborne mold assessments require You will need to visually inspect to see of exposure. sampling equipment not available to the if you need to remove more than the 12 public. Standard assessment methods inches above the high water mark. What symptoms will I see? will vary depending on the type of Allergic reactions may be the most material sampled. If sampling is done, Clean surfaces: common health problem of mold normally a combination of source 1. You must clean the contaminated exposure. Typical symptoms (alone samples (carpet , discolored area to remove existing mold.

West Virginia Department of Health & Human ResourcesBureau for Public Health/Offtce of Environmental Health Services Radiation. Tosics and Indoor Air Division/Indoor Air Program WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HE.4LTH Ah’D HUMAN RESOURCES Page 3 INDOOR AIR QUALITY INFO SHEETAIOLD IN MY HOME: WHAT DO I DO?

2. Use a non-ammonia soap/detergent If I cannot see mold growth, am Can Air Systems and hot water or a commercial I finished cleaning? become Contaminated with cleaner. Do not assume that if you have cleaned Mold? 3. Thoroughly scrub all contaminated the front side of a moldy surface that the Yes. Air duct systems can become surfaces (use a stiff brush to clean back side is not moldy. Mold often contaminated with mold. Duct systems block walls) with the soap/detergent. grows under cabinets, inside walls can be constructed of bare metal, sheet It is best to use an excessive amount (insulation), in carpet padding, and under metal with an exterior fibrous glass of cleaning solution. vinyl coverings. You will have to be insulation, with an internal 4. Rinse clean with water. You can on “MOLD ALERT.” If you have a fibrous glass liner, or be made entirely use a wet-dry vacuum to collect persistent mold problem, cleaning and of fibrous glass. If your home’s air excess water. disinfecting may have to be repeated duct system has had water damage, using a stronger solution. People have to first identify the type of air duct NEVER MIX BLEACH WITH be especially vigilant and continue to use construction that you have. Bare sheet AMMONIA-FUMES ARE their eyes and nose for any signs of mold metal systems, or sheet metal with TOXIC. growth. Be particularly careti about exterior fibrous glass insulation, can be YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR those areas where moisture could trigger & RUBBER cleaned and disinfected. mold growth. GLOVES. If your system has sheet metal with an IN ADDITION, ALWAYS internal fibrous glass liner, or are made VENTILATE THE WORKING Can cleaning up mold be entirely of fibrous glass, the ductwork AREA WELL. hazardous to my health? normally will need to be removed and Yes. Exposure to mold can occur during discarded. Ductwork in difficult Disinfect surfaces: the cleaning stage. Mold count in the air locations may have to be abandoned. 1. After cleaning, apply disinfection is typically 10 to 1,000 times higher than If you have other questions, contact an solution ofhousehold bleach (l/4 cup background levels during the cleaning of air duct cleaning professional or bleach per gallon of water) to the mold-damaged materials. If this work is licensed contractor. surface. If the mold has already not performed by properly trained started to grow back, try a stronger professionals, then you need to take steps After I have cleaned solution-l/2 gallon of bleach in five to protect your health during cleanup. everything as thoroughly as Consider using the N95 particulate gallons of water. Bleach solution possible, can I still have should be applied with a handheld (sometimes referred to as the garden sprayer. Be sure to TC-2 1 C particulate respirator approved mold odors? thoroughly wet the studs, wall by the National Institute of Occupational Yes. It is possible that odors may cavities, and . Avoid excess run Safety and Health), but ‘only after persist. Continue to dry out the area off. Use wet-dry vacuum to collect consulting and receiving the approval and search for any hidden areas of extra bleach solution. Allow the of vour physician. mold. If the area continues to smell bleach solution to dry naturally for 1. Wear proteitive clothing that is easily musty, you may have to re-clean the a 6 to &hour period. The bleach cleaned or disposable. area again (follow the cleaning steps solution should not be removed or 2. Use rubber gloves. given in this sheet). Continue to dry dried quickly an extended contact 3. Try cleaning a small test patch of mold and ventilate the area. Don’t replace time is important. first. If you feel that this adversely flooring or begin rebuilding until the affected your health, you should consider area has dried completely. Bleach can irritate your eyes, nose hiring a professional contractor. and throat. Ventilate the work area 4. Ask family members and/or bystanders How can further damage to well. to leave areas when being cleaned. 5. Work over short time spans and rest in my home be prevented? a fresh air location. Check regularly for the following: Dry surfaces: 1. Moisture condensation on windows 6. Air your house out well during and 1. Dry out the affected area as after the work. 2. Cracking of plasterboard quickly as possible, using fans and CA UTION: Never use a gasoline 3. Drywall tape loosening . Be patient-allow six engine indoors (e.g., pressure washer, 4. Wood warping weeks or more for the drying process generator)-you could expose yourself 5. Musty smell before installing new andfamily to carbon monoxide. If your see any of the above, seek out materials (carpeting, paint, sheetrock). and take steps to eliminate the source Allow inside of walls to dry of water penetration as quickly as thoroughly. possible.

West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources/Bureau for Public Health/Offke of Environmental Health Services Radiation. Toxics and Indoor Air Division/Indoor Air Program WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHAND HUMN RESOURCES Page 4 INDOOR AIR QUALITY INFO SHEET/MOLD IN MY HOME: WHAT DO I DO?

Copies of EPA’s publications are Can Ozone air cleaners help available from the National Service remove or Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) reduce odor or pollution http:llm~w.epa,gov/ncepihoml (to levels? order EPA documents online). Use Some air cleaners are designed to the EPA Document Number when produce ozone. Ozone is a strong ordering. Or call 1-800-490- oxidizing agent used as a disinfectant 9198/(5 13) 489-8695 (fax), or write in water and sometimes to eliminate to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency odors. However, ozone is a known National Center for Environmental irritant. Symptoms associated Publications (NSCEP) with exposure include cough, chest OR pain and eye, nose and throat irritation. The United States Environmental Ozone generators have been shown to Protection Agency IAQ Information generate indoor levels above the safe Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO) limit. Furthermore, it has been Tel.:l-800-4384318or202-484-1307 demonstrated that ozone is not Phone assistance (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., effective in controlling molds and EST) or http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ fungi, even at high concentrations far above safe health levels. Also, ozone may damage materials in the home. For these reasons, the West Virginia American Lung Association Bureau for Public Health does not 1726 M Street NW, Suite 902, recommend the use of an ozone air Washington, DC 20036-4502 cleaner in any occupied residential Telephone: (202) 785-3355 http://www.lungusa.org space. Refer to the U.S. EPA Fact Sheet: Indoor Air Facts No. 7 Residential Air Cleaners (Air and Radiation ANR-445)- 2OA-4001 February 1990 Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air

Cleaners. An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences. U.S. EPA Report,

For additional information please contact: The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Office of Environmental Health Services Radiation, Toxics and Indoor Air Division 304-558-2981 One Davis Square, Suite 200, Capitol & Washington Streets Charleston, West Virginia 25301-1798 THIS INFO SHEET: includes materials provided through the courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Program

March 7,200O

West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources/Bureau for Public Health/Off& of Environmental Health Services Radiation. Tosics and Indoor Air Division/Indoor Air Program